Incubators, co-working and innovation

With our spectacular natural environment combining with our relaxed atmosphere,  it's no wonder that business magic happens here in Byron Shire. Oh, and it may also have something to do with the merging of the creative carefree locals and our experienced and new to our area entrepreneurs.  We have one of the only places in the world where board shorts, thongs, surfboards and coconut turmeric lattes are the uniforms of the locals and the new business set. 

Byron Bay has come to the attention of economists with a 4.8% growth in the small business – which is matched only by metro areas (source: The Northern Rivers Lifestylepreneur Movement 2017).  Most of these new Byron businesses are lean and clean sharing the vision of building a sustainable, ethical and global business.

So what makes us more attractive to small business?  Well for starters there are the meetups, co-working spaces, traditional incubators and virtual incubators, accelerators, and access to quality university entrepreneur programs.  This means that a groundswell of brave new entrepreneurs are born or moving to Byron to access this energy and creativity to create businesses that will flourish and thrive into the future.

What is an incubator?

Business incubators are organisations geared toward speeding up the growth and success of startup and early-stage companies.

The main purpose of an incubator is to help startups to grow. They are collaborative programs which help people solve problems associated with launching a startup by providing a space to work, seed funding, mentoring, training and other benefits.

Incubators vary in their strategies. Some are located in an actual physical space meant to foster networking among entrepreneurs and their coaches. Others operate on a virtual basis. They’re often a good path to capital from investors, state governments and economic-development coalitions. 

Incubators sometimes call themselves accelerators instead, often when they’re geared toward jumpstarting businesses that are more developed. 

Council met with the sector at a Strategic Business Panel meeting in March 2018 and went on to form a sector Working Group.  See the presentation(PDF, 578KB) from the meeting.

If you would like to have your incubator, accelerator or coworking space listed on our website, please contact our Economy and Sustainability Team on 02 6626 7000. 

Brunswick Heads Creative is a boutique coworking space for professionals by day, and a place of community happenings after hours – somewhere to connect, collaborate and come together.  Nestled by the countless cafes and just a stone’s throw from the picturesque river and beach that Brunswick Heads is renowned for.

 

When you join the crew at CoWorking 101 (aka Gouganheim) you have the options of booking casual daily, weekly or ongoing monthly spots at a desk or group table in the office area, or sprawl out on the sofa in the lounge with your laptop.

Maybe you just want to dream up new ideas in the swinging hammock in the garden or take a tea-break out on the deck by the pond. Definitely not your typical office but serious about providing you a focused and well-appointed place to work.  Located in Mullumbimby.

 

Encounter Byron is a not-for-profit creative community venue where the aim is to be a showcase of the emerging culture of Byron Bay, a space where creative people can create, connect, celebrate and hire space. Proudly building on the foundations of the Kulcha Jam space and mission, they are particularly driven to support people in need by developing social programs and partnering with other community organisations in Byron Bay and beyond.  Located in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate.

 

Habitat Workspace invites creative, passionate small businesses and freelancers to enjoy the benefits of co-working with likeminded people. Habitat Workspace offers a collection of 34 micro offices as well as open plan desks. Expect luxe meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, green outdoor meeting spaces, a central reception area, and free access to shared pool and change rooms to make work-life balance even easier. Located in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate.

 

The Mullumbimby Innovation Hub’s mission is to create a culture that inspires, mentors and delivers successful business growth. Short term, expandable and subsidised office space, as well as other support services such as mentoring, development programs, networking opportunities and progress reviews, can be provided for businesses that meet criteria for high potential growth and the ability to upscale

 

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Operating out of Byron Arts and Industry Estate, The Owners Collective provides online incubator programs for start-ups and experienced business people as well as a place to come together and connect with one another.

 

 

 

Sourdough Business Pathways is a not for profit joint initiative of the Sourdough Group and the Byron Region Community College whose purpose is to inspire and support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to create new businesses and generate job growth.  They help existing businesses to be more sustainable, overcome challenges and grow. Located online and in Mullumbimby.

 

StartInno is a vibrant and productive hub for creative, innovators and entrepreneurs that aims to incubate and accelerate ideas and businesses that change the world for good.  They especially like enterprises that additionally focus on bringing about positive change: be it embracing social impact and responsibility or developing sustainability, ethical products, clean technology, gender equality or eco-development.  Located in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate.

Sustainable Valley is a coworking space with a collaborative spirit, business incubator and accelerator offering a suite of creative services. Located in the Byron Arts and Industry Estate.

 

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